On Saturday, April 24, 2021, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is sponsoring the 20^th nationwide “Prescription Drug Take-Back” initiative.  The “Take Back” initiative seeks to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft through the proper disposal of prescription drugs.

Collection sites will be set up nationwide for expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs which will be properly disposed of without threat to the environment.  This program is for liquid and pill medications.  Vaping pens without batteries and vaping cartridges will also be taken.  Needles, new or used, WILL NOT be accepted for disposal.  This service is free and anonymous with no questions asked.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.  Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.  Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—pose both potential safety and health hazards.

Once again, the Indiana State Police is pleased to partner with the DEA, and as in the past, unwanted medications may be dropped off at any Indiana State Police Post, except the Toll Road Post.  The event will be on Saturday, April 24, 2021 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.  The Indiana State Police Sellersburg Post is located at 8014 CR 311, Sellersburg, IN.  47172.     

To locate the State Police post closest to your home or business, click this link for Indiana State Police on the Map. To find other locations in Indiana or across the U.S. that are participating in the Drug Take-Back initiative, click this link to the DEA.

The Drug Take-Back events are the safe, popular and responsible way for the public to legally dispose of prescription drugs with no questions asked.

Friday, a 38-year-old Seymour, Indiana man was arrested for dealing methamphetamine following a traffic stop on the north side of Seymour.

The investigation began at approximately 1:00 pm when Trooper Randel Miller observed a silver 2005 Toyota traveling southbound on I-65 in northern Jackson County. 

After committing a traffic violation, the vehicle exited I-65 onto State Road 11 and traveled southbound towards Seymour.  Trp. Miller caught up to the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop along State Road 11. 

During the course of the traffic stop, Trp. Miller observed indicators of criminal activity.  Trp. Miller deployed his drug detection K-9, Jinx, which alerted to the odor of illegal drugs coming from the vehicle. 

During a search of the vehicle, troopers located approximately 120 grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine in the vehicle and on the driver’s person.  Other evidence of dealing with methamphetamine was also located in the vehicle.

The driver of the vehicle, Chad W. Bruce, age 38, Seymour, Indiana was arrested on charges of Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 2 Felony, and Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 3 Felony. 

He was transported to the Jackson County Jail where he was incarcerated.  Bruce will soon face an initial appearance in the Jackson County Circuit Court.

Trp. Miller was assisted by Troopers Korry Clark, Sam Simpkins, and Jackson County Deputy Justin Amos. 

46-year-old Patricia K. Hanks was arrested and Charged was Patricia K.Hanks with Theft, a Class 6 Felony

In January of 2021, Indiana State Police Master Trooper Detective Brian Maudlin of the Putnamville State Police Post began an investigation into the former treasurer for the Parke Heritage Booster Club.

During his investigation, it was discovered the treasurer allegedly deprived the Parke Heritage Booster Club of over $9,000.00. 

Hanks was the treasurer for the booster club from August 2018 through February 2021. 

During her duties as the treasurer, she allegedly was not depositing funds into the bank accounts to benefit in self-gain.

After reviewing the investigation, the Parke County Prosecutor’s Office issued an arrest warrant for Hanks. 

She was arrested this afternoon without incident and is currently being held in the Parke County Jail on a $10,000 bond with 10% allowed.

Assisting Officers: Sergeant Joe Rutledge and Master Trooper Ty Lightle of the Putnamville State Police Post.  

Soaky Mountain Waterpark officials today announced that Soaky Mountain Waterpark will officially open for the 2021 season on May 15 and 16, and then daily starting May 22.

A season pass holder sneak preview day is planned for Friday, May 21 from 10 am to 6 pm.

The massive, 50-acre waterpark, located at 175 Gists Creek Road in Sevierville, Tenn, which opened in 2020 during the pandemic, will also be hosting an official Grand Opening celebration for tourism industry partners on Friday, June 4, at 9 am since it was unable to do so last year.

According to Dave Andrews, general manager of Soaky Mountain Waterpark, “We can’t wait for another summer of fun at our amazing waterpark. 2020 was truly a challenging year for us, first, we had to get our construction completed while the country was shut down due to the pandemic, and then we were only able to be at reduced capacity levels as a safety precaution due to COVID-19.”

“That’s why we are taking the time on June 4 to properly celebrate our great new waterpark with our fellow
tourism industry partners.”

Guest coming to the park this year can expect to see some changes including the addition of 12 two-person
cabanas that include two lounge chairs and safe.

Rentals start as low as $50.

In addition, Yukon Frozen Yogurt is being incorporated into the Candy Cabin building.

At Yukon Yogurt guests will be able to build their own refreshing frozen treat. All they have to do is grab a cup, choose from a variety of flavors of frozen yogurt or sorbet, add whatever delicious toppings they want, have it weighed, pay and
enjoy!

There are also plans for Summit Snacks food carts to be added to the main plaza area. At these carts, guests will
be able to purchase nachos, pretzels, popcorn, hot dogs, novelty ice cream, cookies, fresh-squeezed lemonade,
beer, bottled water, Icees and fountain drinks.
Finally, the park received its liquor license for 2021 so at its two bars located in the park guests will be able
to purchase frozen margaritas, daiquiris, Pina Coladas, and other refreshing adult beverages.

Attraction highlights of Soaky Mountain Waterpark include the Avalaunch, a first-of-its-kind water coaster with
four flying saucer features that create a drop-and-dive sensation and one wave curved wall; Soaky Surge, a
massive, 35,000 square foot wave pool capable of generating waves 6 feet high; Black Bear Rapids, an
adventure river encompassing 24,000 square feet; and The Hive, a bee-themed play-and-spray feature with
countless hands-on activities for younger children.

There is also Boomers Bay, a super fun kid activity pool area with smaller versions of the adult-size towering
slides including Lil’ Rattlers and Mini Mayhem so kids can experience the thrills and chills of the waterpark on
their level; an adventure pool with a water obstacle course; a 3,800 square foot flat-water cabana pool for
relaxing poolside; and Hang 10essee, a double FlowRider surfing simulator.

In addition to the Avalaunch watercoaster, there are other massive slides including two five-person raft rides; a
tubing tower with five flumes; two high-intensity body slides; and a four-lane, head-first mat racing challenge to
satisfy everyone’s racing desires.

Some of the slides feature translucent tubes which create a swirling array of light effects and others are themed in colors like the Rainbow’s Revenge which features all of the colors of the
rainbow and the American Racer’s Rush which features red, white and blue stars and stripes.

Season admission passes are on sale now through April 30 for $99.99 and include one guest daily admission
ticket.

Starting May 1 they will be $109.99. Daily admission tickets are $44.99 for anyone above 42 inches and
$39.99 for anyone under 42 inches. Children ages three and up require a ticket.

The waterpark will be open through Labor Day, with additional select days being considered through mid-September. Wilderness at the Smokies guests can purchase a discounted daily admission ticket for $19.99.

The new waterpark cost nearly $90 million to construct and employs approximately 500 employees. It is currently hiring for all positions. It is anticipated to draw over 400,000 visitors in 2021, of which 100,000 will be new visitors to Sevier County.

It is also expected to increase the average nightly stays in the region while generating approximately $400,000 annually in Tourism Development Zone Tax.

Wilderness Resorts and Waterparks currently owns and operates Wilderness at the Smokies in Sevierville and Wilderness Resort, Glacier Canyon Lodge, and Wilderness on the Lake, Wild Rock Golf Course, Sundara Spa, and Glacier Canyon Conference Center in Wisconsin Dells.

For more information visit: SoakyMountainWaterpark.com.